Information processor, charge control method and charge control program

Abstract

To provide charge service which is useful even for a service provider side.SOLUTION: An information processor 1 has a storage part 13, and a processing part 14. In the information processor 1, the storage part 13 stores questionnaire information 15 including one or more question items. The processing part 14 executes questionnaire processing of allowing a display device 2 to display the respective question items included in the questionnaire information 15, and receiving input of response information corresponding to the respective question items. When the questionnaire processing is completed, the processing part 14 allows a charging device to which a portable terminal 3 is connected to execute charge for a predetermined time to the portable terminal 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a charging control method, and a charging control program.

Background Art

[0002] When going out with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, the remaining battery level of the mobile terminal may decrease and charging may be required. As a countermeasure in such a case, for example, a method of carrying a mobile battery together with the mobile terminal and charging using the mobile battery, or a method of searching for a nearby store that provides a charging service and charging at that store can be considered.

[0003] Also, there are the following proposals regarding charging. For example, a charging system has been proposed that receives acceptance of the necessary conditions for a wireless power access entity and transmits wireless power to an electronic device based on that acceptance. Also, a system has been proposed that instructs a mobile terminal to perform a communication operation with the outside, allows the user of the mobile terminal to permit the communication operation based on that instruction, and permits charging of the mobile terminal on the condition that the communication operation is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, generally, stores that provide free charging services are limited to mobile device sales stores and the like, and the number of such stores is not large. This is because, in many cases, the benefits obtained by providing free charging services are almost non-existent for service providers. In other words, if the service provider side that provides free charging services can receive benefits from providing the service, there is a possibility that the number of stores providing free charging services will increase.

[0006] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a charging control method, and a charging control program capable of realizing a charging service beneficial to the service provider side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one proposal, an information processing apparatus having a storage unit and a processing unit is provided. In this information processing apparatus, the storage unit stores questionnaire information including one or more question items. The processing unit executes a questionnaire process of displaying each question item included in the questionnaire information on a display device and accepting input of answer information corresponding to each question item, and when the questionnaire process is completed, causes a charging device to which a mobile terminal is connected to execute charging of the mobile terminal for a predetermined time.

[0008] Also, in one proposal, a charging control method in which a computer executes the same process as the above information processing apparatus is provided. Furthermore, in one proposal, a charging control program for causing a computer to execute the same process as the above information processing apparatus is provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, a charging service beneficial to the service provider side can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example and a processing example of a charging system according to a first embodiment. The charging system shown in FIG. 1 is a system capable of controlling the charging operation of the portable terminal 3, and includes an information processing apparatus 1 and a display apparatus 2. This charging system is set, for example, in stores such as product sales stores and restaurants. In this case, the portable terminal 3 may be possessed by a customer who visits the store. Further, as the portable terminal 3, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. can be applied.

[0012] The information processing device 1 is a computer device such as a personal computer. The information processing device 1 can control the start and end of the charging operation of the mobile terminal 3. Further, the information processing device 1 conducts a questionnaire for the user of the mobile terminal 3, and when an answer to the questionnaire is obtained, it causes the charging device to which the mobile terminal 3 is connected to start charging.

[0013] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing device 1 includes a charging unit 11 and a charging port 12, and the mobile terminal 3 is connected to the charging port 12. The charging unit 11 is an example of the above-described charging device, and supplies power to the mobile terminal 3 from the charging port 12. However, the charging device may be provided outside the information processing device 1. Also, power may be supplied wirelessly from the charging device to the mobile terminal 3.

[0014] Hereinafter, the information processing device 1 will be described in more detail. The information processing device 1 has a storage unit 13 and a processing unit 14. The storage unit 13 is a storage area secured in a storage device (not shown) included in the information processing device 1. The storage unit 13 stores questionnaire information 15 including one or more question items to be presented to the user when conducting the questionnaire. In the example of FIG. 1, the questionnaire information 15 includes question items Q1, Q2, ···.

[0015] The processing unit 14 is, for example, a processor. The processing unit 14 performs the following processing, for example, by executing a predetermined program. The processing unit 14 reads the questionnaire information 15 from the storage unit 13, displays each question item included in the questionnaire information 15 on the display device 2, and executes questionnaire processing for receiving input of answer information corresponding to these question items. In the example of FIG. 1, in the questionnaire processing, the processing unit 14 displays the question item Q1 on the display device 2 and receives input of the answer information A1 for the question item Q1. Next, the processing unit 14 displays the question item Q2 on the display device 2 and receives input of the answer information A2 for the question item Q2.

[0016] Note that the response information is input, for example, using an input device (such as a keyboard) connected to the information processing apparatus 1. Alternatively, for example, a terminal device including a display device 2 may be prepared, and the response information may be input by an input operation on the terminal device.

[0017] In this way, when the processing unit 14 acquires the response information corresponding to all the question items included in the questionnaire information 15, the questionnaire processing is completed. Then, the processing unit 14 causes the charging unit 11 to perform charging of the portable terminal 3 for a predetermined time. From the charging unit 11, power is supplied to the portable terminal 3 via the charging port 12, and the portable terminal 3 is charged for a predetermined time.

[0018] In the above charging system, instead of charging the portable terminal 3 for a predetermined time, the provider of the charging service can obtain response information to the questionnaire from the user of the portable terminal 3. Therefore, a useful charging service can also be realized on the service provider side.

[0019] For example, even when providing the charging service for free, the service provider benefits from being able to obtain response information corresponding to the questionnaire. As an example, when a free charging service is provided in a store, the store side, which is the service provider, can obtain useful information related to its business, such as evaluations of products, stores, and services, based on the response information to the questionnaire. Then, the store side can use the obtained information for analyzing and improving the problems of product and service contents.

[0020] In addition, since the store side can also benefit from providing the free charging service, the number of stores providing such a service is likely to increase. As a result, users can receive the provision of free charging services in many stores, and the benefits on the user side can also be increased.

[0021] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, a charging system for realizing a free charging service in a store will be exemplified. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a charging system according to the second embodiment. The charging system shown in FIG. 2 is a system for providing a free charging service for smartphones to customers (users) who visit store 20. In this embodiment, the device to be charged is described as a "smartphone", but the device to be charged may be other types of portable terminals such as tablet terminals and mobile phones.

[0022] The charging system includes a personal computer (PC) 100, a charger 30, and tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ···. Note that the PC 100 is an example of the information processing device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The charger 30 is an example of an implementation form when the functions of the charging unit 11 and the charging port 12 shown in FIG. 1 are provided in an external device of the information processing device 1. The tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· are examples of terminal devices including the display device 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0023] The charger 30 receives power supply for charging from the PC 100. The charger 30 is provided with charging ports 31a, 31b, ···, and a smartphone to be charged is connected to each of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ···. In FIG. 2, as an example, the smartphone 42a is connected to the charging port 31a, and the smartphone 42b is connected to the charging port 31b.

[0024] The cable 32 connecting the PC 100 and the charger 30 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, and the PC 100 can control the start and stop of power supply individually for each of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ···. Note that instead of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ··· of the charger 30, the PC 100 may be provided with a plurality of charging ports and can control the start and stop of power supply individually for each charging port.

[0025] Tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· are communicable with the PC 100. For example, tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· are wirelessly communicable with the PC 100 via Bluetooth (registered trademark). Also, each of tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· is pre-associated one-to-one with one of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ··· of the charger 30.

[0026] When a smartphone is connected to one of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ··· of the charger 30, the PC 100 uses the tablet terminal corresponding to the charging port to which the smartphone is connected among tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· to conduct a questionnaire for the user of the smartphone. When the PC 100 obtains an answer to the questionnaire, it starts power supply from the corresponding charging port of the charger 30 to the smartphone and supplies power for a predetermined time to charge the smartphone.

[0027] Hereinafter, the fact that the PC 100 permits charging for a predetermined time according to the user's answer to the questionnaire is described as "granting a charging time". Also, in the following description, when each of tablet terminals 41a, 41b, ··· is shown without particular distinction, it may be described as "tablet terminal 41". Similarly, when each of smartphones 42a, 42b is shown without particular distinction, it may be described as "smartphone 42".

[0028] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the charging control process for the smartphone. The user connects one of the charging ports 31a, 31b, ··· of the charger 30 and the user's smartphone 42 with a charging cable (step S11). Also, the user performs an input operation for requesting charging using the tablet terminal 41 associated with this charging port (step S12). For example, the user performs an operation of starting an application for using the charging service. By recognizing the tablet terminal 41 on which such an operation has been performed, the PC 100 recognizes the charging port corresponding to this tablet terminal 41, and starts a control process for a charging operation using the recognized charging port.

[0029] Here, a plurality of questionnaire information including one or more question items each is stored in the PC 100. First, the PC 100 causes the tablet terminal 41 to display a selection screen for selecting questionnaire information (step S13). The user performs a selection operation of questionnaire information on the tablet terminal 41, and the identification number of the selected questionnaire information is notified from the tablet terminal 41 to the PC 100 (step S14).

[0030] The PC 100 starts a questionnaire process using the selected questionnaire information (step S15). The PC 100 selects question items included in the questionnaire information and causes the tablet terminal 41 to display them (step S15a). The user inputs answer information for the question items to the tablet terminal 41, and the input answer information is transmitted from the tablet terminal 41 to the PC 100 (step S15b). In the questionnaire process, the question items included in the questionnaire information are sequentially selected one by one, and the processes of steps S15a and 15b are repeated.

[0031] When the response information for the last question item included in the questionnaire information is input, the questionnaire process ends (step S16). Then, the PC 100 acquires the charging time (assigned charging time) to be given to the user. The assigned charging time is determined for each piece of questionnaire information, and the assigned charging time may differ among the pieces of questionnaire information. The PC 100 acquires the assigned charging time corresponding to the questionnaire information for which the response has been made, and causes the tablet terminal 41 to display the assigned charging time and notifies the user (step S17).

[0032] After recognizing the assigned charging time, the user performs an input operation on the tablet terminal 41 to instruct the start of charging (step S18). When the PC 100 recognizes such an operation for instructing the start of charging, the PC 100 instructs the charger 30 to start supplying power from the charging port to which the charging cable was connected in step S11 to the smartphone 42. Thereby, the charging of the smartphone 42 is started. Further, the PC 100 counts the elapsed time from the start of power supply, and when the assigned charging time has elapsed, stops the power supply from the corresponding charging port. Thereby, the charging of the smartphone 42 ends (step S19).

[0033] As described above, in the charging system, when the user answers the questionnaire, free charging of the smartphone for a predetermined time is permitted. Also, a plurality of pieces of questionnaire information are prepared, and the user can select the questionnaire information to be answered. Then, when the response for the selected questionnaire information is completed, the charging time associated with the questionnaire information is given to the user. That is, the smartphone 42 is charged for the duration of the assigned charging time.

[0034] Furthermore, after the user selects certain questionnaire information and answers the questionnaire, the user can also select other questionnaire information and answer the questionnaire again. In this case, since the charging times granted corresponding to each answered questionnaire information are added together, the user can extend the chargeable time. Also, after the user finishes answering the questionnaire about certain questionnaire information, the user can start charging and answer the questionnaire about the next questionnaire information during charging.

[0035] Note that the charger 30 and the tablet terminal 41 are arranged, for example, at the sales floor 21 in the store 20, and the PC 100 is arranged, for example, at the backyard 22 in the store 20. In this case, the PC 100 may be a device that is used both for the above-described processing related to charging control and questionnaire implementation and for business processing such as management of products sold at the sales floor 21.

[0036] Here, there is a high need to charge a smartphone when away from home. However, generally, stores where charging can be done for free are limited to stores of mobile phone companies and the like, and the number of such stores is not large. In response to such problems, by installing the above charging system in many stores, users can easily find and visit stores where charging is possible, which can improve the convenience for users. In particular, by installing the above charging system in each of the chain stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants, the convenience for users can be improved.

[0037] In addition, when the store 20 is provided with a dine-in space, the charger 30 and the tablet terminal 41 may be arranged in the dine-in space. In this case, for example, while purchasing food and drink at the sales floor 21 and dining in the dine-in space, the user can answer the questionnaire and charge their smartphone. Thereby, the user can not only simply charge the smartphone for free, but also effectively utilize the time to charge the smartphone. Alternatively, the store 20 may be a restaurant. In this case, for example, after ordering food and drink, the user can answer the questionnaire before the ordered food and drink are provided, and charge the smartphone during the meal, so that the time can be effectively utilized.

[0038] On the other hand, for the service provider side (store 20 side) of the free charging service, by providing the above charging system, the number of customers visiting the store can be increased. Also, by obtaining the response information of the questionnaire as the price for free charging, useful information related to operations such as evaluations of products, stores, and services can be acquired. The service provider side can utilize the obtained information, for example, for analyzing and improving the problems of product and service contents.

[0039] Next, the details of the PC 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a PC. The PC 100 includes, for example, a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 103, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) 104, an input interface (I / F) 105, a reading device 106, an external device interface (I / F) 107, and a wireless interface (I / F) 108.

[0040] Processor 101 comprehensively controls the entire PC 100. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Further, the processor 101 may be a combination of two or more elements among the CPU, MPU, DSP, ASIC, and PLD.

[0041] RAM 102 is used as the main memory device of the PC 100. At least a part of the OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the processor 101 are temporarily stored in the RAM 102. Also, various data necessary for the processing by the processor 101 are stored in the RAM 102.

[0042] HDD 103 is used as the auxiliary storage device of the PC 100. The OS program, application programs, and various data are stored in the HDD 103. Note that as the auxiliary storage device, other types of non-volatile storage devices such as SSD (Solid State Drive) can also be used.

[0043] A display device 104a is connected to the GPU 104. The GPU 104 causes an image to be displayed on the display device 104a according to an instruction from the processor 101. Examples of the display device 104a include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display.

[0044] An input device 105a is connected to the input interface 105. The input interface 105 transmits the signal output from the input device 105a to the processor 101. Examples of the input device 105a include a keyboard and a pointing device. Examples of the pointing device include a mouse, a touch panel, a tablet, a touch pad, and a trackball.

[0045] A portable recording medium 106a is detachably attached to the reading device 106. The reading device 106 reads the data recorded on the portable recording medium 106a and transmits it to the processor 101. Examples of the portable recording medium 106a include an optical disk and a semiconductor memory.

[0046] The external device interface 107 is an interface circuit that transmits and receives data to and from an external device. The external device interface 107 is, for example, a USB interface. In this case, the PC 100 can also supply power to the external device via a cable connected to the USB interface.

[0047] The wireless interface 108 is an interface circuit that performs wireless communication with an external device. With the above hardware configuration, the processing functions of the PC 100 can be realized. Note that the tablet terminal 41 can also be realized as a computer having the configuration shown in FIG. 4.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the processing functions provided in the PC. The PC 100 includes a business management unit 111, a questionnaire processing unit 112, a charge control unit 113, and a storage unit 120. The processing of the business management unit 111, the questionnaire processing unit 112, and the charge control unit 113 is realized, for example, when the processor 101 executes a predetermined application program. The business management unit 111 executes business processes such as product management in the store 20. On the other hand, the questionnaire processing unit 112 and the charge control unit 113 are processing functions for realizing a free charging service.

[0049] The questionnaire processing unit 112 executes questionnaire processing for conducting a questionnaire to the user using the tablet terminal 41. The questionnaire processing unit 112 causes the tablet terminal 41 to sequentially display the question items included in the questionnaire information, and acquires the response information input for each question item.

[0050] The charging control unit 113 controls the start and end of power supply for each charging port of the charger 30. The charging control unit 113 causes power to be output from the corresponding charging port for the duration of the granted charging time according to the answered questionnaire information.

[0051] The storage unit 120 is a storage area secured in a storage device provided in the PC 100, such as the RAM 102 and the HDD 103. The storage unit 120 stores a questionnaire information table 121, a questionnaire execution management table 122, a charging management table 123, a user information table 124, and a response information table 125.

[0052] In the questionnaire information table 121, a plurality of questionnaire information including one or more question items each are registered in advance. Also, in the questionnaire information table 121, the granted charging time and the granted points are registered in advance for each questionnaire information.

[0053] In the questionnaire execution management table 122, information regarding the questionnaires being executed or having been executed is registered. In the charging management table 123, information regarding the charging operation being executed is registered.

[0054] In the user information table 124, user information regarding users (registered users) for whom registration processing has been performed in advance among the users who charge the smartphone 42 is registered. The response information table 125 registers response information for the questionnaires that have been executed.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the questionnaire information table. In the questionnaire information table 121, records for each questionnaire information are registered. Each record includes items such as a questionnaire number, classification, one or more question items, an assigned charging time, and an assigned point.

[0056] The questionnaire number is a number for identifying the questionnaire information. The classification indicates the classification of the question content in the questionnaire information. In FIG. 6, as an example, the questionnaire number is a character string combining alphabet and numbers, and the alphabet indicates the classification of the question content. In the example of FIG. 6, A: content related to stores, B: content related to beverages, C: content related to boxed lunches and side dishes, D: content related to new products, Z: other content, but it is not limited to this.

[0057] The question item indicates the content to be asked to the user, and one or more are registered in each record. Actually, text information of the question corresponding to each question item, image information to be displayed during the question, etc. are associated.

[0058] The assigned charging time indicates the charging time given to the user who answered the questionnaire based on the questionnaire information. As described above, different assigned charging times may be set for each questionnaire information. For example, the higher the importance for the service provider, or the more question items there are and the longer the time required to answer the questionnaire is expected to be, the longer the assigned charging time is set.

[0059] The assigned point indicates the magnitude of the point given to the user who answered the questionnaire based on the questionnaire information. This point is given only to registered users, and for example, it can be used instead of currency when the user purchases goods at store 20.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the questionnaire implementation management table. In the questionnaire implementation management table 122, every time questionnaire information is selected and questionnaire processing using the selected questionnaire information is started, a new record is registered. Each record in the questionnaire implementation management table 122 shows the execution history of the questionnaire processing using the selected questionnaire information. Each record includes items such as a questionnaire implementation number, year / month / day, start time, end time, tablet terminal number, respondent ID, questionnaire number, granted charging time, and granted points.

[0061] The questionnaire implementation number indicates an identification number assigned each time questionnaire processing using one piece of questionnaire information is executed. The year / month / day indicates the year / month / day when the questionnaire processing was executed, the start time indicates the time when the questionnaire processing was started, and the end time indicates the time when the questionnaire processing ended.

[0062] The tablet terminal number indicates the identification number of the tablet terminal 41 used for the implementation of the questionnaire. The respondent ID indicates the identification number of the user who answered the questionnaire. When a user (unregistered user) whose user information is not registered in the user information table 124 answers the questionnaire, a sequential number is assigned each time a new user appears as the respondent ID. On the other hand, when a registered user answers the questionnaire, the user ID of that user registered in the user information table 124 is registered as the respondent ID.

[0063] The questionnaire number indicates the identification number of the selected questionnaire information. The granted charging time indicates the charging time granted to the user when the answer to the questionnaire is completed. The granted points indicate the points granted to the user when the answer to the questionnaire is completed. However, the granted points are registered only when a registered user answers the questionnaire.

[0064] Here, the user can continue to select multiple questionnaire information and answer the questionnaire. In that case, records are registered in the questionnaire execution management table 122 for each selected questionnaire information, and the same tablet terminal number and respondent ID are registered in each registered record. In the example of FIG. 7, it is shown that for questionnaire execution numbers "3", "4", and "5", the user with user ID (respondent ID) "00003" answered the questionnaires by sequentially selecting questionnaire numbers "A01", "C03", and "D04".

[0065] Note that although not shown in the figure, answer information for completed questionnaires is registered in the answer information table 125 for each record in the questionnaire execution management table 122. For example, when the answer to the questionnaire indicated by questionnaire execution number "1" is completed, a record including this questionnaire execution number "1" is created in the answer information table 125, and the answer information for each question item of questionnaire execution number "1" is registered in the created record.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the charging management table. When a charging operation is started from one charging port, a new record is registered in the charging management table 123. Each record in the charging management table 123 is used to manage the execution of the charging operation. Each record includes items such as a charging execution number, a charging port number, a respondent ID, a start time, and a remaining charging time.

[0067] The charging execution number indicates an identification number assigned each time a charging operation is started. The charging port number indicates the identification number of the charging port at which the charging operation is executed (i.e., power supply is performed).

[0068] The respondent ID indicates the user ID of the user who instructed the execution of the charging operation (i.e., the user who answered the questionnaire to receive the charging service). The start time indicates the year, month, day, and time when the charging operation was started.

[0069] The remaining charging time indicates the remaining time that can be charged by the user. Usually, when the questionnaire process using certain questionnaire information is completed, the assigned charging time corresponding to the questionnaire information is set in the item of the remaining charging time. However, for registered users, since they can also specify the charging time within the range of the assigned charging time they possess, the specified charging time may be set in the item of the remaining charging time.

[0070] When charging starts, the remaining charging time is counted down as time passes. When the remaining charging time reaches "0", the charging ends and the record is deleted. Also, when multiple questionnaire information is continuously selected and the questionnaire is conducted, when the questionnaire process using the second and subsequent questionnaire information is completed, the assigned charging time corresponding to the questionnaire information is added to the remaining charging time. As a result, the charge control unit 113 can manage the progress of the charging operation based on the remaining charging time in the charge management table 123.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user information table. Records for each registered user are registered in the user information table 124. Each record includes items of user ID, user information, possessed charging time, and possessed points.

[0072] The user ID indicates the identification information of the registered user. The user information indicates the personal information of the registered user. As the user information, for example, the user's name, age, date of birth, gender, etc. are registered.

[0073] The possessed charging time indicates the assigned charging time possessed by the registered user, and the possessed points indicate the assigned points possessed by the registered user. Registered users can accumulate (pool) the assigned charging time and points in the user information table 124.

[0074] Next, the processing of the PC 100 will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing for starting and continuing charging. As described above, one of the charging ports 31a, 31b,... of the charger 30 and the user's smartphone 42 are connected by a charging cable. Also, the user performs an input operation for requesting charging using the tablet terminal 41 associated with this charging port. When the charging control unit 113 of the PC 100 detects this input operation on the tablet terminal 41, the following processing is executed.

[0075] [Step S21] The charging control unit 113 recognizes the tablet terminal 41 on which the charging request input operation has been performed, and recognizes the charging port corresponding to this tablet terminal 41. Also, when the user is a registered user, the charging control unit 113 recognizes the user ID indicating the user in a predetermined procedure. For example, an application for a charging service is launched on the smartphone 42, and the two-dimensional barcode or user ID displayed on the screen of this application is read by the PC 100. Alternatively, the identification information of the connected smartphone 42 may be acquired via the charging port, and the user ID associated with this identification information may be recognized.

[0076] [Step S22] The questionnaire processing unit 112 of the PC 10 causes the tablet terminal 41 to display a selection screen for selecting questionnaire information to be answered from among a plurality of pieces of questionnaire information registered in the questionnaire information table 121. When a questionnaire information selection operation is performed on the tablet terminal 41, the questionnaire processing unit 112 acquires the questionnaire number indicating the selected questionnaire information. The questionnaire processing unit 112 creates a new record in the questionnaire execution management table 122, and registers the year, month, day, start time, tablet terminal number, respondent ID, and questionnaire number in the created record.

[0077] [Step S23] The questionnaire processing unit 112 executes questionnaire processing using the selected questionnaire information. When the response information for the last question item included in the questionnaire information is obtained, the end time is registered in the record created in the questionnaire execution management table 122 in step S22. Also, the questionnaire processing unit 112 acquires the granted charging time and the granted points corresponding to the answered questionnaire information from the questionnaire information table 121.

[0078] [Step S24] The questionnaire processing unit 112 causes the questionnaire end screen to be displayed on the tablet terminal 41. On this questionnaire end screen, the newly granted charging time and the granted points acquired in step S23 are displayed and notified to the user.

[0079] Also, when the user is a registered user, the held charging time and the held points are also displayed on the questionnaire end screen. In this case, the questionnaire processing unit 112 reads out the held charging time and the held points corresponding to the user from the user information table 124, and for the read held charging time and held points, the values obtained by adding the above-mentioned new granted charging time and granted points respectively are displayed on the questionnaire end screen as the latest held charging time and held points.

[0080] [Step S25] On the questionnaire end screen, for example, selection buttons are displayed for selecting whether to perform charging, select the next questionnaire information to continue the questionnaire, or pool the granted charging time and the granted points without performing charging. Then, a selection operation for any of these selection buttons is performed.

[0081] When it is selected to pool the granted charging time and the granted points, the questionnaire processing unit 112 identifies the record corresponding to the user (in this case, the registered user) from the user information table 124. The questionnaire processing unit 112 adds the granted charging time and the granted points acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 to the held charging time and the held points of the identified record, respectively. Then, the process of FIG. 10 is terminated.

[0082] On the other hand, when an item other than pooling the granted charging time and the granted points is selected on the questionnaire end screen, the process proceeds to step S26. [Step S26] When it is selected on the questionnaire end screen to answer the next questionnaire (select the next questionnaire information to continue the questionnaire), the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, when it is selected to perform charging, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0083] [Step S27] The charge control unit 113 creates a new record in the charge management table 123 and registers the charge execution number, the charge port number, the respondent ID, and the start time in the record. Further, the charge control unit 113 registers the granted charging time acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 as the remaining charging time. Then, the charge control unit 113 starts power supply from the corresponding charge port of the charger 30 to the smartphone 42 to start charging the smartphone 42.

[0084] However, when the questionnaire has already been answered using two or more pieces of questionnaire information, a record including the same charge port number and respondent ID has already been registered in the charge management table 123. In this case, the charge control unit 113 adds the granted charging time acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 to the remaining charging time of this record, thereby extending the charging time. Then, the charge control unit 113 continues the power supply from the corresponding charge port of the charger 30 to the smartphone 42.

[0085] Also, in any of the above cases, if the user is a registered user, the questionnaire processing unit 112 identifies the record corresponding to the user from the user information table 124. The questionnaire processing unit 112 adds the given points acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 to the held points of the identified record.

[0086] After that, the process proceeds to step S22, and selection of the next questionnaire information is accepted. [Step S28] Similar to step S27, power supply from the corresponding charging port is started or continued.

[0087] That is, the charge control unit 113 creates a new record in the charge management table 123, and registers the charge execution number, the charging port number, the respondent ID, and the start time in the record. Also, the charge control unit 113 registers the given charging time acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 as the remaining charging time. Then, the charge control unit 113 starts power supply from the corresponding charging port of the charger 30 to the smartphone 42, and starts charging the smartphone 42.

[0088] However, if a record including the same charging port number and respondent ID is already registered in the charge management table 123, the charge control unit 113 adds the given charging time acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 to the remaining charging time of this record. Thereby, the charging time is extended. Then, the charge control unit 113 continues power supply from the corresponding charging port of the charger 30 to the smartphone 42.

[0089] Also, in any of the above cases, if the user is a registered user, the questionnaire processing unit 112 identifies the record corresponding to the user from the user information table 124. The questionnaire processing unit 112 adds the given points acquired from the questionnaire information table 121 in step S23 to the held points of the identified record.

[0090] In FIG. 10 above, when step S27 is executed, a questionnaire using certain questionnaire information is conducted, charging using the charging time assigned corresponding to the questionnaire information is started, and a questionnaire using the next questionnaire information is conducted. In this case, the user can answer the questionnaire by effectively using the time during charging.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of questionnaire processing. The processing in FIG. 11 corresponds to the processing in step S23 of FIG. 10. [Step S31] The questionnaire processing unit 112 acquires one unselected question item from the question items included in the corresponding questionnaire information from the top, and causes the acquired question item to be displayed on the tablet terminal 41.

[0092] [Step S32] The questionnaire processing unit 112 receives input of response information for the question item via the tablet terminal 41. [Step S33] The questionnaire processing unit 112 determines whether there is a next unselected question item in the questionnaire information. If there is a corresponding question item, the process proceeds to step S31 and the next question item is acquired. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding question item in the questionnaire information, that is, when response information for all question items has been obtained, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0093] [Step S34] The questionnaire processing unit 112 acquires the assigned charging time and the assigned points corresponding to the questionnaire information from the questionnaire information table 121. Also, the end time, the assigned charging time, and the assigned points are registered in the record created in the questionnaire execution management table 122 in step S22 of FIG. 10.

[0094] [Step S35] The questionnaire processing unit 112 stores the response information received from the tablet terminal 41 in the response information table 125. Specifically, the questionnaire processing unit 112 creates a new record in the response information table 125 and associates this record with the record created in the questionnaire execution management table 122 in step S22. For example, the questionnaire execution number of the corresponding record in the questionnaire execution management table 122 is registered in the record of the response information table 125. The questionnaire processing unit 112 registers the response information for all the question items received in step S32 in the record created in the response information table 125.

[0095] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging control process. In step S27 or step S28 of FIG. 10, when a new record is created in the charging management table 123, the following process is executed while referring to this record.

[0096] [Step S41] The charging control unit 113 starts supplying power from the corresponding charging port to the smartphone 42. [Step S42] The charging control unit 113 waits until one minute has elapsed, and when one minute has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0097] [Step S43] The charging control unit 113 subtracts one minute from the remaining charging time registered in the corresponding record. [Step S44] The charging control unit 113 determines whether the remaining charging time after subtraction is "0". If the remaining charging time is not "0" (equal to or greater than "1"), the process proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if the remaining charging time is "0", the process proceeds to step S45.

[0098] [Step S45] The charging control unit 113 stops supplying power from the corresponding charging port to the smartphone 42. Thereby, the charging of the smartphone 42 is completed. Note that, between the execution of step S41 and the determination that the remaining charging time in step S44 is "0", if a questionnaire response using new questionnaire information is made by the same user and charging execution using the granted charging time corresponding to the questionnaire information is requested, the granted charging time is added to the remaining charging time, and the chargeable time is extended.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of questionnaire information. The selection screen 130 shown in FIG. 13 is an example of the screen displayed on the tablet terminal 41 in step S22 of FIG. 10.

[0100] On the selection screen 130, a list 131 of questionnaire information is displayed. In the list 131, for each piece of questionnaire information, the number of the questionnaire information, the theme of the questionnaire content, the expected required time of the questionnaire, the granted charging time after the questionnaire, and the granted points are displayed. Also, a check box is provided for each piece of questionnaire information in the selection input field 132 of the list 131. When the user checks any of the check boxes and presses the confirmation button 133, the questionnaire information is selected. Note that, for the questionnaire information for which the response has been completed, the display may be deleted from the list 131, or it may be displayed in a grayed-out state, and the check box in the selection input field 132 may be locked so that it cannot be re-entered.

[0101] With such a selection screen 130, for example, the user can select and answer questionnaire information on a desired theme. Also, the user can select and answer questionnaire information that can obtain the necessary charging time. Furthermore, the user can select and answer questionnaire information based on the required time.

[0102] In addition, in the selection input field 132, it is also possible to select a plurality of questionnaire information. When a plurality of questionnaire information is selected, questionnaire processing using each of the selected questionnaire information is continuously performed. In this case, in FIG. 10, when questionnaire processing using one of the selected questionnaire information is executed and the processing of step S27 is executed, the processing proceeds to step S23, and questionnaire processing using the next questionnaire information is executed.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a questionnaire end screen. The questionnaire end screen 140 shown in FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displayed on the tablet terminal 41 in step S24 of FIG. 10.

[0104] On the questionnaire end screen 140, a display column 141 for notifying the user of the granted charging time and the granted points newly given along with the answer to the questionnaire is displayed. In addition, selection buttons 142 to 144 are displayed on the questionnaire end screen 140. The selection button 142 is for requesting to perform charging using the granted charging time (or the granted charging time and the held charging time). When the selection button 142 is selected, it is determined as "No" in step S26. The selection button 143 is for requesting to select the next questionnaire information and continue the questionnaire. When the selection button 143 is selected, it is determined as "Yes" in step S26. The selection button 144 is for requesting to pool the granted charging time and the granted points without performing charging, and only registered users can select it. When the selection button 144 is selected, it is determined as "Yes" in step S25.

[0105] In addition, when the user is a registered user, it may be possible to charge using only a predetermined charging time or a charging time arbitrarily specified by the user from the current held charging time (the added value of the held charging time up to then and the new granted charging time).

[0106] Incidentally, the processing functions of the apparatuses (e.g., information processing apparatus 1, PC 100) shown in each of the above embodiments can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that each apparatus should have is provided, and by executing that program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic storage devices, optical disks, and semiconductor memories. Examples of magnetic storage devices include hard disk drives (HDDs) and magnetic tapes. Examples of optical disks include CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and Blu-ray Discs (BD, registered trademark).

[0107] When distributing a program, for example, portable recording media such as DVDs and CDs on which the program is recorded are sold. Also, the program can be stored in the storage device of a server computer and transferred from the server computer to other computers via a network.

[0108] A computer that executes a program stores, for example, a program recorded on a portable recording medium or a program transferred from a server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes the processing according to the program. Incidentally, the computer can also directly read the program from the portable recording medium and execute the processing according to the program. Also, each time a program is transferred from a server computer connected via a network, the computer can sequentially execute the processing according to the received program.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1 Information processing apparatus 2 Display device 3 Portable terminal 11 Charging unit 12 Charging port 13 Memory unit 14 Processing unit 15 Questionnaire information A1, A2 Response information Q1, Q2 Question items

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores questionnaire information including one or more question items; A processing unit that executes a questionnaire process of displaying each question item included in the questionnaire information on a display device and accepting input of response information corresponding to each question item, and when the questionnaire process is completed, causes a charging device to which a mobile terminal is connected to execute charging of the mobile terminal for a predetermined time; An information processing apparatus having the above.

2. The storage unit stores a plurality of questionnaire information including the questionnaire information and a charging permission time corresponding to each of the plurality of questionnaire information; The processing unit: Accepts a selection input of first questionnaire information from among the plurality of questionnaire information; Executes a first questionnaire process of displaying each question item included in the first questionnaire information on the display device and accepting input of response information corresponding to each question item; When the first questionnaire process is completed, obtains a first charging permission time corresponding to the first questionnaire information from the storage unit, and causes the charging device to charge the mobile terminal during the first charging permission time. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The processing unit: After the first questionnaire process is completed, when accepting a selection input of second questionnaire information from among the plurality of questionnaire information, causes the charging device to start charging the mobile terminal, and displays each question item included in the second questionnaire information on the display device and executes a second questionnaire process of accepting input of response information corresponding to each question item; When the second questionnaire process is completed, obtains a second charging permission time corresponding to the second questionnaire information from the storage unit, and causes the charging device to charge the mobile terminal until the time obtained by adding the first charging permission time and the second charging permission time has elapsed since the start of charging of the mobile terminal. The information processing apparatus according to Claim 2.

4. The storage unit stores a plurality of questionnaire information including the questionnaire information; The processing unit: Accepts a selection input of first questionnaire information from among the plurality of questionnaire information; Executes a first questionnaire process of displaying each question item included in the first questionnaire information on the display device and accepting input of response information corresponding to each question item; After the completion of the first questionnaire process, when accepting a selection input of second questionnaire information from among the plurality of questionnaire information, the charging device is caused to start charging the mobile terminal, and a second questionnaire process is executed in which each question item included in the second questionnaire information is displayed on the display device and an input of response information corresponding to each question item is accepted. When the second questionnaire process is completed, the charging time for charging the mobile terminal by the charging device is extended. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. A computer executes a questionnaire process in which one or more question items included in questionnaire information are displayed on a display device and an input of response information corresponding to each of the one or more question items is accepted. When the questionnaire process is completed, a charging device to which a mobile terminal is connected is caused to perform charging of the mobile terminal for a predetermined time. Charging control method.

6. In a computer executes a questionnaire process in which one or more question items included in questionnaire information are displayed on a display device and an input of response information corresponding to each of the one or more question items is accepted. When the questionnaire process is completed, a charging device to which a mobile terminal is connected is caused to perform charging of the mobile terminal for a predetermined time. A charging control program for causing the execution of the process.

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